The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-19
CHARITY CLUB HISTORY.
HOW THE WORTHY ORGANIZATION
CAME INTO EXISTENCE.
The Result of a Wealthy Portland
Lady's Solicitude and B%enevolence
in les2-Taken Up by Washington
and Continued in Memphis.

The commendablc zeal and earncstncss
with which the ladies have gone 10 work
In the organization and putting into prac-
teal shape the ends TO be accomplished by
the Children's Christmas club bespcaks
ilnbounded praise for the good work they
are engaged in. That the prospects are
lnost suspicious for the children of Mem
phis 10 enjoy Christmas as they have never
done before is an assured fact. The
worthiness OF the object speaks for itself:
for while the few roll in luxuries." the
countless thousands have little TO be thank
iul for save that they are alive and per-
mittcd 10 struggle for q living. Hundreds
OF thousands OF children have grown 10
manhood and w%omanhood in this land of
plenty who ''havc only heard, but never
seen nor felt the joys and pleasures OF
~thristmastide.
The idea Of q Christmas club. Whereby
the rich and we'll to do might make happy
the poor children in cities and villages, by
preparing for them, in some public place,
Il bountiiul feast, and presenting them
with toys, keepsakes and sportive amuses
mcnts on Christmas day, originated in
Portland, Maine, in 1882, with n lady
whose heart was us big as her wealth was
abundant. The name of the lady is not
just now at hand, but she went systcm-
atically Ia work TO put her philanthropic
ideirinto execution. She wrote letters TO
all the wealthy children Of Portland and
invited them 10 meet her at u public hall,
and, with other charitable people, there
the1 would discuss the practicabilitv of
the plan. The result OF the meeting was
that the club was made permanent, the
membership made 10 cents ppr
year, and the rule established
that the members should preserve
all OF their cast of toys, articles OF clothing,
etc. Beside this, the funds from the mem
bership and contributions were 10 90 TO
browning Il dinner for the poor children
of the city on Christmas day. The idea
was a great n for the children: everyone
well able TO do so took nm interest In il,
and on that Christmas day 600 children.
who had never known what Christmas
was, assembled in the city hall, were pre-
scented TO Santa Claus, toasted sumptuoItsly
and made joyful for the time, and given
presents, which doubtless many will pre.
serve OF that their first real Christmas.
through all that may pass over them.
In 1885, this same lady addressed an
open letter TO ~. Nicholas, that stanch
and friendly journal OF the children, TO
ask its readers ii Christmas clubs should
not be made general in every large com.
munity. The letter was published and
was widely read. The letter appeared IN
the December issue OF that year.
4 The first city which took organized &C.
ton on the suggestion was Washington,
ID. q. The city was divided into four dis
tricts. In the second district Miss Nellie
Arthur, the charming young daughter OF
President Arthur, was made president OF
the club. Each district had separate COM
mittees OF children, ladies and gentlemen.
The banquet was held in the National
Rifles armory hall, and l,SO0 children
gathered there. Besides them were many
high officials, including the President Of
the United States, the chief justice, Cab
met officers and Others, 20 witness the joy
OF the younglings, who had never known
real Joy before. The marine band dis.
eoursed music, and the entertainment
hsted several hours. Every child NJ.
tceiyed a present. The club was made
permanent, and every Christmas since
The rich, gay people Of the national capi.
tal have witnessed a similar scene Of hap,
pinoss from their benefcence.
Memphis is rich, and her people ae
noted for their generosity; and IL Is need
less 10 predict that, with the vigor which
this last Of It's most worthy charities has
been commenced, that IL will be musl
successful. Another meeting Of the com,
mittces, subcommittee and the public
Is called for this afternoon at the Young
Mems Christian Association rooms, Ne.
207 Main street. The large hall should.
and no doubt will, be crowded.